The purpose of this work is to investigate experimentally the effects of mixed-mode I/II loading on the fracture behavior of polymer mortars. Three point bend beam specimens with offcenter notch were used in plane-strain fracture toughness tests. Two approaches have been simultaneously used to determine the crack opening displacements. The crack mouth opening displacement was measured by means of a clip gauge, while the crack tip opening displacement was estimated through the Digital Image Correlation method. Fracture parameters, such as critical values of crack opening displacement, energy release rate and mixed-mode stress intensity factor were estimated. In addition, the values of crack mouth opening displacement and crack tip opening displacement were used to evaluate the rotational factor. Finally, the effect of sliding mode-II in fracture was not easily observed using clip gage, however this effect was noticed employing Digital Image Correlation method.

The increasing awareness of the environment protection has contributed to concerns regarding alternative procedures for recycling of plastic wastes. Since chemical processes are high cost, energy and often environment harmful, thermo-mechanical techniques of recycling rises as a good alternative. This research deals with mechanical characterization of thermo-mechanical recycling of composites based on recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) from post-consumed motor-oil plastic containers as matrix and natural fibers (sisal) as reinforcement. The composites were made by extrusion and then melt blended in a compression mold. The sisal fibers do not contribute to increase tensile strength. As fiber content increases loss of ductility is observed.